News

- Advertisement -

B.C. premier says ‘every weapon’ is on the table as Canada-U.S. trade war escalates

B.C. Premier David Eby said the additional 50-per-cent tariffs imposed on Canadian goods by the United States are "inexplicable" and "indefensible" and reaffirmed his refusal to return American alcohol to government liquor store shelves.

Carney said Canada was attacked, pointed to divisions inside Trump administration

Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada was under economic attack Saturday after trade negotiations collapsed, new U.S. tariffs took effect and he suggested divisions inside U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration contributed to the breakdown.

B.C. attorney general calls for swift passage of federal online safety bill, but wants stronger AI rules

B.C. Attorney General Niki Sharma said Thursday that Ottawa's proposed online safety bill is urgently needed, but falls short on regulating artificial intelligence chatbots.

KVR corridor closure to remain in place due to safety hazards

The Kettle Valley Railway corridor between Summerland and Penticton will remain closed indefinitely because of significant rockfall, sinkhole and wildfire risks, according to the snpink’tn Indian Band and local governments.

National Range Day brings shooting sports showcase to Summerland

Residents curious about shooting sports, hunting and firearms safety will have an opportunity to learn more when the Summerland Sportsman’s Association hosts a National Range Day event on Saturday, June 13.

OPP officer killed near Hearst, Ont

A 29-year-old OPP officer has been killed on duty in a rural area near Hearst. 
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

B.C. premier says Trump’s comments on CUSMA deal are “bizarre”

Premier David Eby said Wednesday that Donald Trump's suggestion he may not renew CUSMA cast a shadow over a virtual first ministers' meeting.

Flood-protection projects completed, underway across Okanagan

Penticton's Ellis 4 Dam has been upgraded as part of a series of flood-mitigation and climate-resilience projects across the Okanagan supported by provincial, federal and local governments.

Vancouver residents lukewarm on hosting FIFA matches, says polling

A new poll suggests most Vancouver residents believe the costs of hosting FIFA World Cup matches outweigh the benefits, even as preparations for the tournament ramp up across British Columbia.

B.C. legislator calls for mandatory leave for MLAs facing serious criminal charges

A British Columbia legislator wants MLAs charged with serious criminal offences to step aside from their duties until the courts decide their cases.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

ICBC adds online option for Learner’s licence knowledge test

British Columbians can now take the knowledge test for a learner’s licence online, a change ICBC says will make licensing more convenient and help reduce wait times at its offices.

B.C. rents continue to fall amid sluggish spring rental market

Average rents in British Columbia fell 5.7 per cent in May from a year earlier, as the province lost its position as Canada's most expensive rental market to Nova Scotia.

Mediator appointed to 911 operator contract dispute, averting strike

The B.C. government has appointed veteran mediator Vince Ready to help broker a new contract for more than 700 emergency communications workers, averting a planned strike by 911 operators.

Hotter than normal summer ahead for B.C., say federal forecasters

British Columbia is likely headed for a warmer-than-normal summer, with Environment Canada forecasting above-average temperatures across much of the province.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Whooping cough cases surge across Interior Health

An unusually high rate of whooping cough cases in the Interior Health region has health officials reminding residents to ensure their vaccinations are up to date.

B.C. added more than 25,000 jobs in May, says StatCan

British Columbia added 25,200 jobs in May, reversing some of the losses recorded earlier this year, according to Statistics Canada.

Okanagan home sales steady as benchmark prices show mixed results

Residential real estate activity across the Okanagan remained steady in May as sales tracked seasonal expectations and benchmark prices showed mixed year-over-year results.

Penticton RCMP investigating arson at Green Avenue construction site

The RCMP considers the fire suspicious and are conducting a criminal investigation.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Penticton drug alert warns of highly potent opioid and tranquilizer mixture

A drug alert has been issued in Penticton after testing found a street drug sold as Down, Dope, Tranq or fentanyl contained a potent mix of cychlorphine, medetomidine and other substances linked to a high risk of overdose.

Federal action plan for forestry sector expected this week, as report warns of looming “existential risk”

The federal government is expected to release a long-awaited action plan for Canada's struggling forest sector within days, a senior official said Thursday.

Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy charged with sexual assault

The B.C. Prosecution Service said Peace River North MLA Jordan Kealy has been charged with sexual assault. 

LNG Canada contractors prepare for proposed Phase 2 expansion

Contractors on LNG Canada’s first phase have been given the green light to begin preparations for the proposed Phase 2 expansion in Kitimat, B.C.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Penticton joins B.C.’s class action against ‘forever chemicals’ manufacturers

The City of Penticton is joining B.C.’s class-action lawsuit against manufacturers of so-called “forever chemicals,” as the province seeks to recover the costs of monitoring and removing the substances from drinking-water systems.

Why young workers are being squeezed out of B.C.’s labour market

Young people in B.C. are facing one of the toughest job markets in years, with economists and business groups warning that youth unemployment remains stubbornly high despite recent gains.

Eby calls Findlay divisive, as B.C. Conservatives rally behind new leader

Premier David Eby says new B.C. Conservative Leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay is focused on division, as he criticized policy positions she championed during her successful leadership campaign.

Penticton Mayor meets with Provincial officials to discuss Fairview Road encampment: issues statement

The province and the city agree the encampment is unsafe for both occupants and the broader community.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

B.C. unveils action plan to tackle systemic racism

British Columbia has unveiled a two-year anti-racism action plan with 37 commitments aimed at addressing systemic racism across government programs and services.

Canada Post workers approve new collective agreements

Canada Post workers represented by the Canadian Union of Postal Workers have approved new collective agreements that will remain in effect until 2029.

Kerry-Lynne Findlay elected B.C. Conservative leader

Kerry-Lynne Findlay was elected leader of the B.C. Conservatives on Saturday, defeating political commentator Caroline Elliott after four rounds of voting.

B.C.’s minimum wage set to increase on June 1

British Columbia’s general minimum wage will increase to $18.25 per hour on June 1, but advocates said it still falls short of a living wage in much of the province.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

B.C.’s FIFA World Cup price tag climbs to $729M

B.C. says the cost of hosting seven FIFA World Cup matches in Vancouver could reach $729 million, up $105 million from its previous high-end estimate.

Sports fields closed by heavy rains

The City asks everyone to remain off the fields to keep playing surfaces in good condition. 

B.C. legislators close out spring session with DRIPA questions still unresolved

The British Columbia legislature wrapped up its spring session Thursday with the NDP government facing criticism over its shifting approach to Indigenous rights legislation, a record deficit and pipeline tensions with Alberta.

City of Penticton declares local state of emergency after construction site fire

Emergency Support Services (ESS) has been activated to assist residents impacted by the event.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Report finds British Columbians consume more alcohol than the average Canadian, even as drinking rates fall

British Columbians are drinking less alcohol overall, but consumption in B.C. remains above the national average, according to a new report from the provincial health officer.

Proposed B.C. LNG project seals German supply deal

British Columbia’s Ksi Lisims LNG project has signed a long-term supply agreement with a German state-owned energy company, marking what officials say is Canada’s first LNG export deal with a European buyer.

Canada, Ksi Lisims LNG to announce major export deal with German company

Premier David Eby said Tuesday that a major liquefied natural gas export deal between B.C.’s Ksi Lisims LNG project and Germany would mark a significant step toward a final investment decision on the proposed multibillion-dollar facility.

B.C. small town theatres cheer motion calling for changes to alcohol rules

Small independent movie theatres in British Columbia may soon be able to serve liquor during all-ages screenings after the legislature passed a motion calling for changes to provincial rules.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Eby blasts Alberta separatism at Western premiers meeting as pipeline tensions simmer

Premier David Eby criticized Alberta’s separatist movement Monday, saying it undermines national unity as western premiers met in Calgary to discuss trade, energy and relations with the United States.

B.C. Conservative leadership candidate Findlay dodges press questions about reported election probe

B.C. Conservative leadership candidate Kerry-Lynne Findlay denied reports Monday that she is under investigation for alleged election wrongdoing, then left a Victoria press conference without taking questions.

Voting begins in B.C. Conservative leadership race as Findlay denies reports of federal election wrongdoing

Voting in the B.C. Conservative leadership race begins Saturday as the party keeps candidate Kerry-Lynne Findlay on the ballot despite reports alleging she is under investigation for possible breaches of the Canada Elections Act.

B.C. nurses union reaches agreement with province

The B.C. Nurses’ Union said Friday it has reached a tentative agreement with the province after members overwhelmingly backed possible job action earlier this month.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Site C dam named after late premier John Horgan

The B.C. government has renamed the Site C dam after former premier John Horgan, despite his past opposition to the controversial hydroelectric megaproject.

Supreme Court of Canada to hear B.C. appeal that aims to limit DRIPA’s legal reach

The Supreme Court of Canada will hear British Columbia’s appeal of a landmark ruling that found parts of the province’s mineral tenure system conflict with its Indigenous rights law, setting up a major legal test of how UNDRIP applies in B.C. courts.

B.C. small businesses cooling on youth hiring, says CFIB report

B.C. small businesses say rising costs and economic uncertainty are making them reluctant to hire young workers ahead of the summer job season, according to a new report from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business.

Penticton RCMP and School District 67 work together to promote safe e-scooter use

Penticton RCMP and School District 67 are partnering on a community effort to promote safe and responsible e-scooter use among youth.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Keremeos residents lose daytime emergency access during temporary closure

Residents in Keremeos and nearby communities will be without daytime emergency services at South Similkameen Health Centre for several hours on Wednesday, forcing patients to travel outside the community for urgent care.

Eby and Carney to meet as Alberta’s pipeline pitch gains momentum

Premier David Eby is set to press Prime Minister Mark Carney on B.C.'s economic priorities Wednesday as Alberta pushes ahead with plans for a new oil pipeline to the West Coast.

BC Transit launches tap-to-pay on all systems with Umo

Contactless fare payment is now available on more than 30 transit systems across B.C.

B.C. patient becomes Canada’s first confirmed Andes hantavirus case

Canadian health officials have confirmed the country’s first case of the Andes strain of hantavirus in a person isolating in B.C. after returning from the MV Hondius cruise ship.
- Advertisement -
- Advertisement -

Ottawa, Alberta strike deal paving way for possible west coast pipeline by 2027

Ottawa and Alberta have struck a sweeping agreement that could fast-track approval of a new oil pipeline to British Columbia’s coast while reshaping federal carbon pricing and emissions policies.

Tahini halva recalled in B.C. due to salmonella

A second type of halva sold in British Columbia has been recalled due to salmonella.
- Advertisement -